George Webb Slaughter facts for kids

George Webb Slaughter (1811–1895) was an important person in early Texas history. He was a Baptist minister, a cattle breeder, and a rancher. Born in Mississippi, he later moved to Texas. He was known for driving large groups of cattle to places like Kansas and Louisiana. A historian named J. Marvin Hunter said that George Slaughter helped more than 3,000 people become Baptists. He also helped start many churches and trained many preachers in Texas.

Early Life and Moves

George Webb Slaughter was born on May 10, 1811. His birthplace was Lawrence County, Mississippi. His father, William Slaughter, was a farmer who fought in the War of 1812. His mother's name was Nancy Moore.

When George was ten, his family moved to Copiah County, Mississippi in 1821. Four years later, in 1825, they moved to Louisiana. By 1830, they had moved again, this time to Sabine County, Texas.

Serving Texas and Faith

George Slaughter played a small part in the Texas Revolution. In 1836, he worked as a messenger for General Sam Houston. He delivered an important message from Houston to William B. Travis at the Battle of the Alamo.

Slaughter first joined the United Methodist Church in 1831. Ten years later, he became a member of the Baptist Church. By 1844, he was an ordained Baptist minister. He served as a minister in Sabine County and other parts of East Texas until 1851.

Moving to Palo Pinto

In 1851, George Slaughter moved his family and his cattle to Freestone County, Texas. Six years later, in 1857, he started a ranch near Palo Pinto, Texas. While ranching, he continued to serve as a Baptist minister. He also worked as a doctor in the area.

Historian J. Marvin Hunter noted that George Slaughter was very active in his faith. He "baptized over 3,000 persons." He also "ordained more preachers and organized more churches than any other person in the state of Texas."

During the Civil War

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), George Slaughter helped the Confederate States Army. He provided beef from his ranch to the Tonkawa. The Tonkawa were a Native American tribe who supported the Confederacy.

Cattle Ranching and Drives

After the Civil War ended, Slaughter focused more on his cattle business. He raised cattle and also drove them long distances to sell.

Driving Cattle to Louisiana

In 1867, George Slaughter and his son, C.C. Slaughter, drove cattle from Palo Pinto, Texas. They took the herd all the way to Shreveport, Louisiana. These cattle were sold to a person named T. H. Johnson.

He also sold cattle to James C. Loving and Charles Rivers in 1867 and 1868.

Long Drives to Kansas

In 1870, George Slaughter and his son drove a huge herd of 3,000 cattle. They used the famous Chisholm Trail to take them all the way to Kansas. From 1870 to 1876, he lived in Emporia, Kansas. During these years, he drove cattle every single year.

Returning to Texas

From 1876 to 1884, Slaughter moved back to Texas. He continued his ranching work with another one of his sons, Peter Slaughter.

Family Life

George Slaughter married Sarah Jane Mason on October 12, 1837. They were the first couple to get married in the Republic of Texas. George and Sarah Jane had eleven children together.

Later Years and Death

George Webb Slaughter died on March 19, 1895. He passed away in Palo Pinto, Texas, where he had built his ranch and served his community for many years.